In 2025, podcasting continues to explode in popularity. But with more podcasts than ever, simply recording a conversation isn’t enough to stand out. If you want your interviews to captivate, connect, and convert casual listeners into loyal fans, you need to approach each interview with strategy and care.

Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting, here are 5 essential tips to help you conduct great podcast interviews in 2025:

1. Do More Than Basic Research

Preparation still reigns in 2025, but now, generic Googling isn’t enough. With tools like AI search assistants, real-time content feeds, and smart summarizers, you can go deeper into a guest’s world in less time.

Here’s how to level up your prep:

• Go beyond the bio: Scan recent interviews, social media, blog posts, and even their podcast appearances to find lesser-known insights or stances.
• Use AI tools: Summarise their latest book or YouTube content with AI to extract key talking points fast.
• Look for “talking gold”: Find personal stories, controversial opinions, or interesting failures your guest hasn’t shared everywhere.

When you show that you know your guest, you unlock a more authentic, thoughtful conversation, and your listeners will feel it.

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2. Ask Open, Fresh Questions

In a world of over-interviewed guests, originality is your superpower. Generic questions lead to generic answers. Instead, ask questions that make guests pause, reflect, and reveal something real.

Try this approach:

• Instead of “Tell us about your journey,” ask: “Was there a moment you almost gave up, and why didn’t you?”
• Use "What" and "How" questions more than "Why" to encourage detailed responses.
• Avoid predictable setups. Reframe popular questions to suit your guest's expertise and audience interest.

Your goal is to make your guest say, “That’s a great question,” at least once.

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3. Master the Art of Listening

Listening is an underrated super-skill in podcasting. Many hosts are too focused on their next question to truly hear their guest. In 2025, when attention spans are short and authenticity is key, deep listening sets you apart.

Here’s how to do it well:

• Be present: Close other tabs, silence notifications, and give your full focus.
• Follow up naturally: If your guest shares something vulnerable or unexpected, lean into it. Those unscripted moments create podcast magic.
• Use silence intentionally: Pausing before responding often draws out deeper thoughts from your guest.

Listeners can tell when a host is genuinely engaged, which makes your interview more immersive and human.

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4. Think Like a Storyteller, Not Just a Host

Great podcast interviews are more than Q&A sessions, they’re storytelling experiences. Whether your guest is an entrepreneur or artist, your job is to help them share their story in a way that flows, resonates, and sticks.

Tips for storytelling interviews:

• Create a narrative arc: Start with the “why,” explore the “struggle,” and end with the “lesson” or “next chapter.”
• Use time wisely: Don’t linger too long on bios or surface-level backstory. Get to the emotional or insightful moments early.
• Highlight moments of transformation: People remember turning points more than facts.

In 2025, podcasts compete with short-form video, immersive audio, and endless content. Storytelling helps you stand out and be remembered.

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5. Deliver a Smooth, Tech-Polished Experience

Technical issues are still a major listener turn-off. But in 2025, with better tools at your disposal, there’s no excuse for poor audio, awkward delays, or disjointed editing.

Keep your production quality tight:

• Use high-quality mics and headphones for both you and your guest.
• Record with reliable tools. Software like Riverside, SquadCast, and Zencastr now offers AI-powered cleanup and editing.
• Keep intros and outros concise. Don’t make your audience sit through 5 minutes of filler. Hook them fast.

And finally, prep your guest beforehand. Share tech tips, format expectations, and what kind of questions you’ll ask. When your guest feels comfortable and confident, your interview shines.

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Final Thoughts

Conducting a great podcast interview in 2025 isn’t just about asking questions, it’s about creating a memorable, meaningful experience for both your guest and your audience.

When you combine genuine curiosity with smart preparation and clean execution, you’ll consistently create interviews that stand out, even in a crowded podcast world.

So next time you hit “record,” remember: Your job isn’t just to talk. It’s to uncover truth, inspire connection, and leave your listeners wanting more.

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